notified its first batch of “Explorers” (the ones who pre-ordered at Google I/O last year, not the #ifihadglass contest winners) that the first Google Glass devices are rolling off the production line now and are ready to be delivered

Google Glass Ready To Ship

As one of those Google I/O pre-orderers, I got this email in my Inbox at about 5:30 pm Monday.

The important points are that the first Glass devices are coming out of production now and, even though not enough have been produced yet for all Explorers to get theirs, Google is going to start delivering them “in waves.” There are no details about how Explorers will pay the $1,500 price tag, how they’ll be delivered/shipped, etc. — just a promise that all those details will be sent in a future email.

In a Glass Explorers community on Google+, some Explorers that live in the San Francisco area are saying that they were able to buy Glass on Monday and will be picking them up in person today.

Google says using the Glass display is like looking at a 25-inch HD screen from eight feet away.

Google Glass API

The Glass API is, as you’d expect, heavy on tech details for developers. If you aren’t one, most of it will probably put you to sleep. But, some of the best practices for developers are interesting. It warns that building for Glass involves “challenging design problems,” and encourages devs to avoid surprising users with unexpected functionality, make sure their apps respond quickly to user actions and get out of the user’s way when appropriate.

MyGlass Android App

Although the Glass specs (above) say the device will work with any Bluetooth-capable phone, right now there’s only a setup app for Android users. It’s called MyGlass. It’s free, and it requires Android 4.0.3 or higher.

For those who don’t want to or can’t use that app (including iPhone users, unless an iPhone setup app shows up in the App Store soon), Google also has a web-based setup page.

So, there you have it. As the saying goes … it’s gettin’ real. In addition to the Glass device, be on the lookout soon for companies to announce that they’re building apps for it. Investor John Doerr recently mentioned that Twitter, Evernote, Path and The New York Times are already working on apps. And, Mark Zuckerberg already revealed that Facebook has engineers doing the same.

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About The Author

Matt McGee is the Editor-In-Chief of Search Engine Land. His news career includes time spent in TV, radio, and print journalism. After leaving traditional media in the mid-1990s, he began developing and marketing websites and continued to provide consulting services for more than 15 years. His SEO and social media clients ranged from mom-and-pop small businesses to one of the Top 5 online retailers. Matt is a longtime speaker at marketing events around the U.S., including keynote and panelist roles. He can be found on Twitter at @MattMcGee and/or on Google Plus. You can read Matt's disclosures on his personal blog.

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http://twitter.com/YoungbloodJoe Joe Youngblood

Interesting that the Google Glass uses the services of an Android phone. I wonder how long until phone manufacturers restrict that usage? (or try to). I laid out the Google Glass specs along side the top 2 phones of the year for camera, video, and price below. edit: added GoPro Hero 3 Black edition specs since that seems to be part of the market Google is aiming at.

“It might be harder to hear Glass or use voice input commands in noisy areas, and it might be harder to see the Glass screen in bright sunlight. Also, you may be in certain places like a doctor’s oﬃce where those around you don’t feel comfortable being photographed or captured on video. Always consider your surroundings – just like you would with a cell phone. Above all, be considerate.”

hmm didn’t their ‘demo video’ show it being used in very loud areas (roller coaster) and in the bright sun?

Matt McGee

Even if it did, they’re only saying that audio features may be more difficult in noisy situations … which is common sense, right? Noise shouldn’t have any impact on its ability to shoot video, take photos and whatever else, right?

http://twitter.com/YoungbloodJoe Joe Youngblood

“or use voice input commands” the whole thing is voice activiated? “ok glass…” still, I like the fact that Google+ doesn’t appear to be the defacto storage place so I might give it a whirl.

http://www.facebook.com/iwan.uswak Iwan Uswak

This is what you are NOT allowed to do with Google Glass – Terms of Service [Infographic]